Field notes from the water’s edge.

Field notes

Sounds That Scare Geese: What Works and What Doesn't

Predator distress calls and dog barks scare geese; ultrasonics and most static noises don't. A naturalist's read of the deterrents that hold up in the field.

Field notes

Swan Symbolism: What the Bird Has Meant for 3,000 Years

From the Greek myth of Leda to Yeats to the silver swans on the Queen's River - a literary naturalist's read on what the swan has actually stood for through history.

Field notes

How Long Do Geese Live? Wild vs Domestic Lifespan

A naturalist's read on goose lifespan - the honest numbers for wild Canada geese (10-12 years average, 24+ for an exceptional survivor), the longer life of domestic breeds, and what kills geese in the wild.

Field notes

How to Keep Squirrels Out of an Owl Nest Box

The five things that actually keep squirrels out of an owl nest box - pole choice, baffle type, height, entrance hole, and timing. A field guide for backyard owl-watchers, with the products we use.

Field notes

How to Make Ducks Like You

Ducks bond with calm, low-postured humans who feed the right food. A naturalist's read on building trust with wild or backyard birds.

Field notes

Ducks' Feet: How Webbed Feet Actually Work

A duck's foot is a paddle, a brake, a thermal regulator, and a rudder. A naturalist's read of the anatomy and why it works in cold water.

Field notes

How Far Can Geese Fly in a Day? The Numbers Behind the V

A naturalist's answer to a question with a deceptively boring textbook reply - how far can a Canada goose actually fly in 24 hours? The honest range, what the V-formation does, and why flights of 1,500 miles in a day are real.

Field notes

How Long Can Ducks Stay Underwater?

Most diving ducks stay under for 10-30 seconds. Long-tailed Ducks hit 60+. A naturalist's read on dive times by species and the limits of the lung-air system.

Field notes

Do Swans Quack? No - Here's What They Actually Sound Like

A naturalist's guide to the actual sounds of swans - hiss, hum, snort, trumpet, whistle - and which species makes which. Spoiler: the 'mute' swan is anything but.

Field notes

Do Swans Swim in the Ocean? Rarely, And Reluctantly

Swans can swim in salt water and have salt glands to handle it - but they prefer fresh and stay close to shore. A naturalist's read on coastal swan ecology.

Field notes

Duck Predators: What Hunts Them and How to Stop It

The thirteen animals that hunt wild and domestic ducks - ranked by where they hunt (water, air, ground) - and the eight protections that actually work. A field naturalist's guide for pond owners and small-flock keepers.

Field notes

Do Swans Carry Babies on Their Back? Yes - Here's Why

Mute Swan cygnets do ride on their parent's back, and there's a specific reason for it. A naturalist's read on why, when, and which swan species does it most.